4 (Non-Cheesy) Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

So you want to do something fun and romantic on Valentine’s Day, but then, of course, you don’t want to be a cliche. You want a genuine experience with your partner, not a Nicholas Sparks novel brought to life.

What are your options? How can you create a special night for the two of you (without rose petals on the bed or edible underwear?). Here are four Valentine’s Day date ideas you’ll both love.

Cook together
It sounds too simple, right? The best dates are often just that: simple. Cook something delicious, but not too complicated. Spending time together in the kitchen on Valentine’s Day should be fun and flirty, so no stressful soufflés or tricky tapenades. What do you both love to eat? Maybe you can recreate a dish you ate together on your first date, on the night you got engaged, or any time that was memorable for you as a couple.

Make a mess, spice things up, and then enjoy the meal together together. This is the time to open that bottle of wine you’ve been waiting to open on a special occasion (while it gathers dust on your wine rack). Make the meal feels like a celebration, which it is! You’re celebrating your love, and that deserves a toast.

Pack a picnic and go to an outdoor movieThe weather’s perfect for a picnic, and really, is there anything more romantic? If you can drink wine under the stars while watching a movie on the big screen, you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect date. Fill a basket with fun foods and a bottle of bubbly and spend Valentine’s Day in the fresh air.

Schedule a couple’s massageOkay, this one may sound cheesy, but once your cares are being melted away by a warm, relaxing massage, you won’t care. And trust us, most men might role their eyes at the idea of a massage, but we’ve yet to meet one who hasn’t loved it as much as you. After a session of pampering, both of you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for a sexy evening in.

Do something adventurousWhether adventure for you means a light hike or a ride on a rollercoaster, get outdoors and do something a little challenging together. There is nothing more exhilarating than getting out of your comfort zone and enjoying a daring adventure together. Take in the breathtaking view at the top of a mountain. Spend the night at an amusement park. Jump in the waves together at your local beach. Get outdoors and hold hands. You’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about red roses and heart-shaped chocolates if that’s too cheesy for you. Just think about what would be most fun for you and your partner and go with it. Celebrate your relationship and enjoy each other without any distractions. If you’re both relaxed and doing something you enjoy, your Valentine’s Day is sure to be a memorable, romantic date!